Our Team
Administrative Team
Nathan Halvorson
Chief Executive Officer
Bio
Nathan Halvorson’s work has been seen at Lincoln Center Theatre, NY Theatre Workshop, Circle in the Square, Mountain Rep, Theatreworks USA, Theatreworks Colorado Springs, Expanded Arts, The NY International Fringe Festival, The Mint Theatre, Carousel Music Theatre, Iowa Summer Rep and many others. He was a founding member and Artistic Director of The Key Theatre (a theatre that focused on the stories of the LGBTQ+ communities) in NYC and the former Resident Director and Interim Artistic Director at The Penobscot Theatre in Bangor, Maine.
He has taught theatre at several universities including The University of Notre Dame, The University of Iowa, and The University of Colorado – Colorado Springs and has been a teaching artist for many school systems and theatre companies for nearly twenty years. He is a proud member of Actor’s Equity and The Lincoln Center Director’s Lab and received his MFA in Theatre Directing from The University of Iowa.
Before joining The Colorado Springs Conservatory, he was the Associate Director of Performing Arts and Director of the Theatre School at The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. As an actor, choreographer, and director, he has been involved in over 100 professional theatrical productions in NYC, regionally and on tour.
He has been nominated for ten individual Henry Awards (Won: Best Director of a Musical 2020 for The Bridges of Madison County) and directed four shows to best production nominations (Won: Best Production of a Play 2019 for Church & State and Outstanding Production of a Musical 2020 for The Bridges of Madison County).
He is also the recipient of the Arts in Education Award from the Pikes Peak Arts Council and a True West Award.
Ashley Greeno
Director of Development
Bio
Ashley is a marketing and development professional with 15+ years of experience growing her own businesses, and helping entrepreneurs and nonprofits expand their impact. She loves getting to know new people and believes authentic relationships are the key to sustainable fundraising.
In her past lives Ashley has been a freelance marketing strategist – living and surfing on the North shore of O’ahu, an award winning cookie baker and entrepreneur – baking and selling over 10,000 cookies in just over a year, and a hand lettering artist with card designs sold in Papyrus.
Ashley is a big fan of live music, traveling and throwing parties. She also loves bike rides, coffee shops and rewatching Schitt’s Creek with her husband, daughter and pups. Her favorite thing about working at the Conservatory is watching the next generation of leaders learn, explore, and create!
Shantell Autry
Director of Finance
Bio
Shantell has been a pillar of the Conservatory team for over 20 years, helping with everything from student enrollment to events, and is now the Director of Finance. She is passionate about both the arts and supporting young creatives – And you can find her at almost every CSC production (often making sure things run smoothly behind the scenes).
Shantell grew up in Colorado Springs and spent 10 years as a competitive figure skater at the Broadmoor World Arena before going on to coach in Northern Virginia and then back at the World Arena.
Shantell is also the proud mom of three professional artists—all Conservatory students—and has seen firsthand how powerful a foundation in the arts can be. Shantell loves watching students flourish into young artists as they find their unique voices and experience the life-changing impact of the arts.
Dr. Adam Haas
Program Director
Bio
Adam is an accomplished pianist, educator, and collaborator, currently serving as Program Director and Lead Piano Mentor at the Colorado Springs Conservatory. A passionate teacher and performer, Dr. Haas has previously taught at Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Colorado Boulder, where he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance. His performance career includes appearances as soloist with the New York Concerti Sinfonietta, the Loveland Orchestra, and the Colorado State University Orchestra. He has presented lectures at numerous national and state conferences and performed extensively across the United States as both a soloist and chamber musician.
Dr. Haas has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including violinist Byron Hitchcock for the Englewood Performing Arts Series, trombonists Tom Burge and Justin Isenhour, flutists Tadeu Coelho, John Barcellona, and Kristin Grant, the Anasazi String Quartet, and the Chinook Winds, among others. He has also studied and performed at the Aspen Music Festival and the New Orleans Piano Institute, holding additional degrees from Indiana University and Colorado State University. His principal piano teachers include Andrew Cooperstock, Edward Auer, Janet Landreth, and Anton Nel, and he has studied organ with Joe Galema.
Based in the Pikes Peak region, Dr. Haas serves as organist at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, and he is an active performer and frequent collaborator with local musicians and ensembles. In his free time he enjoys exploring the great Colorado outdoors, and spending time with his wife, Danielle and their four children.
“There are so many things I love about working at the Conservatory, but I would say getting to work with young students every day has to be up there at the top. It is such a joy to witness a student’s aha moment, or see them grow in confidence, or celebrate their successes with them. My job as a mentor at the Conservatory is much more than just teaching my students how to be a good musician; I get to help them grow in confidence, learn the importance of hard work, and discover the wonderful world of musical expression and how it can feed the soul. At the Conservatory we have the opportunity to impact these young lives in such a positive way and I count it as a privilege and joy to be a part of that.” -Dr. Adam Haas
Dr. John Rot
Music Production and Composition
Bio
John is a composer, pianist, and all-around Sound Guy who has long embraced teaching as his most significant musical outlet. He loves to help students realize their musical ideas, but above all he aims to help them expand the boundaries of what they believe their musical ideas can include. His unwavering commitment to stylistic inclusivity is rooted in the belief that compositional craft is teachable, learnable, and accessible to all.
As a pianist and conductor, John has also competed and performed nationally and internationally. His music has been performed and commissioned by a diverse group of ensembles and performers including the International Contemporary Ensemble, Talea Ensemble, JACK Quartet, Mivos Quartet, and TAK Ensemble, as well as music festivals in the United States and Europe.
John has degrees in Music Composition from Columbia University and Oberlin Conservatory. In addition to his work at the Colorado Springs Conservatory, he has previously taught at The University of Denver and Montclair State University, and is currently a Lecturer at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where he teaches composition, music theory, and computer music.
Jack Branning
Voice Department Lead
Bio
Vicki Corrion
Human Resources
Bio
Vicki has worked in Human Resources for more than three decades with companies such as Empower Retirement and Lockheed Martin. She’s passionate about empowering children and supporting her community! Vicki loves being part of Colorado Springs Conservatory’s mission to help kids grow in confidence and creativity while keeping the arts vibrant in Colorado Springs.
When Vicki isn’t helping to keep the Conservatory a safe and awesome place to work, she loves to travel with her husband and spend time with her grandkids.
Brandy Conner
Office Manager
Bio
Brandy’s passion for the arts began at a young age with her love of reading, which resulted in a BA in English Literature. She grew up in Connecticut, but has lived all over the US. In fact, this is her 3rd time living in Colorado – and this time she’s here to stay! She loves the mountains and her community in Green Mountain Falls and Colorado Springs.
With over 20 years as an Office Manager, Brandy’s experience has been primarily in the Jewish community and Montessori schools. She enjoys the challenge of solving problems as they come up, and working in a fast-paced environment. You’ll find Brandy in the front office – stop by and say hi!
In her free time, Brandy enjoys spending time with her two children and two dogs. You also might run into her supporting our talented mentors at local performances.
Brett Garman
Student Advocate
Bio
Brett joined the Conservatory in September 2025, helping connect students with their artistic passions as Student Advocate Specialist. With a background in arts nonprofits, she has worked in development, marketing, web design, and hospitality.
Contact Brett or find her in the Conservatory halls to share any thoughts or ask questions about your journey with us.
Brett’s love for the arts likely began when she performed as Dorothy in her third grade production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Since then, she has enjoyed consuming and participating in all types of music, theater, and visual art. When she has the chance, Brett enjoys reading, traveling (she’s been to four of the seven continents), and hiking with her husband Tom. She is also a huge fan of Doctor Who and the Denver Broncos.
Mentors
Tracy Taylor
Lead Mentor
Bio
Tracy has dedicated the last five years to teaching at the Conservatory, where she shares her passion for music and theatre with students of all ages. Holding a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado with a specialization in clarinet, Tracy taught K-5 general music for 14 years before transitioning to independent work. During her teaching career she earned her Orff-Schulwerk certification which continues to guide and aid her in her teaching journey. Tracy teaches theatre, exploratory, and early childhood classes, along with private lessons in voice, woodwinds, piano, and theatre. Over the past few years, she has enjoyed working with the D2 Partner Program, reaching all 4th grade students in the district with theatre and music lessons.
In addition to her work at the Conservatory, Tracy maintains a vibrant career as a professional performer, collaborating with local and regional theatres throughout the state. Outside of her teaching and performing career, Tracy enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and their beloved pups. She also actively works as a teaching artist and choreographer for various organizations and schools in the region.
Carla Brown
Mentor
Bio
Carla Brown is an Army veteran, actor, teaching artist, and healthcare professional based in Colorado. She brings her background in theatre and dance into classrooms and communities, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. Her performance work includes productions such as Steel Magnolias and Sense and Sensibility at Theatreworks, just to name a few.
Carla earned her BA in Visual and Performing Arts with a concentration in Theatre and Dance and is currently pursuing her MFA in Theatre at Randolph College in Virginia. When she’s not teaching or performing, she enjoys spending time with her family, who inspire her work every day
Mareena Crozier
Mentor Sub
Bio
Mareena has been a violin mentor at the Colorado Springs Conservatory since 2019. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, where she focused on violin and contemporary music. In addition to her work at the Conservatory, she currently teaches K-5 general music, as well as 4th and 5th grade band and orchestra in the public school system. She received her Colorado state teaching license in 2022 and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
As a performer, Mareena has played in pit orchestras, string quartets, and chamber ensembles which inform a diverse musical perspective and teaching style. She is passionate about making music education accessible and meaningful for all students. She is familiar with Suzuki, Orff, and Kodaly pedagogy approaches and integrates those methodologies to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences. She is a strong advocate for the arts and helping students build confidence and self-expression through music and performance.
“There are so many things I value about working at the Conservatory. I love working with students of varying ages , skill levels, and supporting them to become confident musicians. The collaboration between students, families, and mentors create a unique and inspiring environment that I am happy to be a part of.” – Mareena Crozier
Judah Davis
Mentor Sub
Bio
Judah is an alumni of CSC, and a Colorado Springs native. He has been performing in Colorado since 2018, primarily on guitar and bass. After leaving the Conservatory, he attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, and received a bachelor’s of music in Jazz studies with an emphasis in guitar performance.
Judah began teaching by assisting at CSC summer camps, and continued to participate in music education with the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts as a near peer mentor, and as a member of the Jazz Education network. He has also taught private lessons, and assisted with university classes.
While studying at CU Boulder, Judah was able to perform and learn from musicians like Dave Holland, Brad Goode, and Ernie Watts. He is also passionate about world music, having engaged with various world music ensembles, performed Puerto Rican folk music, and attended a trip to study with Cuban musicians in Havana, Cuba.
Judah’s main Guitar teachers were Lance May, Wayne Wilkinson, David Musante, and Dave Corbus. When not playing jazz, Judah enjoys metal music, building and repairing guitars, and walking dogs. He is excited to return to his hometown and join the Conservatory as a mentor, and continue sharing his love of music and performance.
Hannah Findlay
Mentor
Bio
Hannah is delighted to join Colorado Springs Conservatory as a mentor in the Partner Program with surrounding schools. After earning her BFA in Musical Theatre at Valdosta State University in her hometown of Valdosta, GA, she has been granted the opportunity to teach all over the nation! Most recently, she actually moved 3 times in one year, teaching with afterschool programs in Cameron, NC and Columbus, GA prior to gaining her position here in Colorado Springs.
Typically, Hannah enjoys instructing in the art of theatre, more specifically acting, but now, she gets to bring even more subjects to the forefront with the Conservatory! Whether touring the Midwest to put up musicals over the summer or teaching in conjunction with nearby school districts to develop students through various arts curriculums, Hannah is so excited to bring her knowledge and experience to this incredible team and your incredible kids!
Michael Hawkins
Mentor Gig Performer Sub
Bio
Michael is a Conservatory alumni who attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He graduated in 2012 with a BA in Electronic Production, focusing on cinematic sound design. He has been in Colorado Springs since then working with post production, teaching, and playing gigs throughout Colorado.
Lindsay Illsley
Mentor
Bio
Lindsay has been teaching for over 25 years and holds a professional teaching license in the State of Colorado with multiple endorsements in Elementary Education, Drama Theatre Arts (K-12) and English Language Arts.
Lindsay is also a Librarian, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Teacher, Digital Learning Coach, and Instructional Coach at an Academy District 20 Elementary School. She has won multiple awards and grants including Teacher of the Year, Team of the Year, Academy District 20 Foundation grants, Mikkellson Foundation grants, and Governor’s grants.
Lindsay has taught both visual and performing arts to young children in many programs, including time at Destiny Preschool for the Arts, Montessori schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, DanceArt Academy, and has been a guest teacher at The Da Vinci Academy for Arts and Sciences. She also enjoys being a Props Designer for the Conservatory’s MTI Program.
She graduated Summa Cum Laude with Distinction from Boston University with a degree in English Literature, Mythology, and Theatre Arts and graduate level courses in education from CU Denver. Her theater training includes time at the Yale School of Drama, Folger Shakespeare Theater, Lyric Stage, and more.
She is the proud mom of two young artists. Her son Jonah is an alum of the Conservatory and is now pursuing a B.F.A. in Comedic Arts from Emerson College. Her daughter Ella is an actor, musician, and vocalist and a Senior in the Conservatory’s Preparatory Program.
Lindsay believes in an integrated, transdisciplinary, and playful approach to teaching young children where the art of storytelling leads the way for a deeper exploration of music theory, movement, and theatre fundamentals. Students working with her will gain confidence, communication skills, gross and fine motor skills, and will be well-prepared to continue their artistic studies as they grow with the Conservatory.
Erin Joyner
Mentor
Bio
Erin has been part of the Conservatory team for 8 years, contributing in a variety of roles and gaining a deep appreciation for the community we serve. Her time as Student Services Coordinator offered meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and support students at all skill levels.
Erin studied at UCCS for a performing arts degree in French horn, and looks forward to completing that degree in the future! She’s excited to step into a new teaching position for the Partner Program and is grateful for the chance to keep learning while continuing to build hands-on teaching experience.
Alex Koshak
Mentor Sub Gig Performer
Bio
With over a decade of experience working in the music industry, Alex is a uniquely qualified mentor. As a drummer/percussionist Alex has toured and recorded with dozens of artists over his storied career. Whilst touring in various projects he has performed at prestigious venues all over the world, the Bowery Ballroom in New York, The Fonda Theater in Los Angeles, The Festival Theater in Edinburgh Scotland, and the Flux Capacitor right here in Colorado Springs to name a few. Alex has a diploma in percussion from Tech Music Schools in London England, where he sharpened his percussionist skills.
As a songwriter/producer, Alex has run production on multiple solo albums as well as worked as a producer/engineer for other artist’s projects. He brings both skill and real world perspective to his teaching and aims to prepare students for success on and off the stage.
Matthew Lopez
Mentor Sub
Bio
Matt discovered his passion for playing guitar in 2007 and has been pursuing music ever since. From 2016 to 2020, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy before continuing his education at Berklee College of Music. In 2022, he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Guitar Performance.
Matt has been a mentor at the Colorado Springs Conservatory since January 2023.
Outside of music, Matt enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Emily, their son, Koda, and their dog, Lolo. He also loves the outdoors, often spending his free time off-roading and snowboarding.
Olivia Luellen-Sipes
Mentor
Bio
Olivia has been a singer, pianist, and performer since the age of eight.
A student of the Conservatory in middle school, she played six instruments, studied music theory, and danced competitively.
She is now in college pursuing several degrees in music education, with a focus on piano performance and pedagogy.
Olivia teaches cello, voice, piano, and music theory at the Conservatory, as well as several Early Childhood classes and APN.
Caleb Medran
Mentor Sub
Bio
Caleb holds an Associate of Arts and a Bachelors-Degree in Piano Performance. He has been teaching pianists of all ages for the past seven years starting while in college. Caleb has been an accompanist for multiple choirs, solo vocalists, and instrumentalists as well as a worship team keyboardist. His favorite element of piano playing is the different intricate techniques it requires.
Outside of teaching and playing piano, he enjoys hiking, running, and drinking coffee. He feels blessed to have had many amazing teachers, professors, and mentors over the years, and aspires to be as kind, insightful, and passionate about the learning process and sharing of music as they were.
Anna Myatt
Mentor
Bio
Anna is a professional performer, choreographer, and educator based in Colorado Springs. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Arts Entrepreneurship from Long Island University in New York. For the past eight years, Anna has had the privilege of teaching theatre, dance, and music to young artists across the country. She is excited to be joining the team at Colorado Springs Conservatory!
Madeline Smith
Mentor
Bio
Madeline loves teaching APN at the Colorado Springs Conservatory! She has been involved with APN for several years and it’s such a cheerful and joyful part of her week. The students are awesome!
Madeline works full time as a high school choir director and serves on the Colorado All State Choir Board. She enjoys Music Directing three musicals each year, and also performs regularly with the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble as a soprano.
In her free time, Madeline and her husband enjoy hiking and being outdoors. They recently hiked Pikes Peak for the first time, and last year they walked over 500 miles across Spain!